Tamper-proof closure



Fil ed May 31, 1957 Jan. 28, 1969 H. MARCEL 3,

TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE Sheet of 4 Jan. 28, 1969 H. MARCEL 3,424,330 7 TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE Filed May :51, 19s? v Sheet 2 of 4 43 fig. 11

111111111 III/I Jan. 28, 1969 H. MARCEL TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE Sheet Filed May 51, 1967 Jan. 28, 19 9 Filed May 31, 1967 Sheet United States Patent 3,424,330 TAMPER-PROOF CLOSURE Henri Marcel, Les Cheres, Rhone, France Filed May 31, 1967, Ser. No. 642,539 Claims priority application France, June 2, 1966,

47,353; Feb. 13, 1967, 48,296 US. Cl. 215-46 Int. Cl. B65d 49/12, 17/24 13 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention relates to a tamper-proof closure for sealing and/or capping containers, comprising a lid or cap connected by a tearable guarantee band to a skirt intended to remain attached to the container, in which a series of longitudinal grooves extend from both edges of the band and open into an annular hollow space concentric with a step defining the edge of said band, so as to form a series of perforations weakening the areas connecting the band to the lid or cap and the skirt. The invention also relates to a mould for making this closure.

intended to remain attached to the container, these two elements being connected by an intermediate guarantee band which has to be torn away before the contents can be taken out of the container for the first time.

To facilitate the removal of the guarantee band, the edges of this band are connected to the two adjacent parts, i.e., the cap and the skirt, by weakened areas, for example a connecting wall of reduced thickness or lines of suitably spaced perforations (score-lines).

Experience has shown that the first of the above means is not satisfactory. The thickness of the wall must be kept constant very precisely as the slightest flaw in this area during moulding may result in the guarantee band breaking when it is pulled to tear it off, because the resistance is too high or alternatively these means may be too easily broken, for example during 'hadling.

The second of the above mentioned means, that is the perforated connecting areas, in general does not have the same drawbacks but, on the other hand, it necessitates complicated, delicate and costly moulds for its manufacture, the perforations or slots being made by a series of pins which are relatively fine, fragile and difficult to manufacture.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tamper-proof closure in which the guarantee band is detachalbly connected to the lid or cap and to the skirt by score-lines formed in moulding in a very simple mould without pins.

The present invention provides a tamper-proof closure for sealing and/or capping containers, comprising a lid or cap at least part of which covers the mouth of the container and a skirt intended to remain attached to the container, the lid or cap being connected to the skint by a tearable guarantee band, said closure comprising a series of longitudinal grooves extending from both edges of the band and opening into an annular hollow space concentric with a step defining the edge of said band, said grooves being aligned with the plane of the step so as to form a series of perforations weakening the areas connecting the band to the lid or cap and the skirt.

Patented Jan. 28, 1969 p CC Preferably, the grooves of the connecting area above the guarantee band are set off angularly relative to the grooves of the area below said band.

The present invention relates also to a mould suitable for use in the manufacture of the closure according to the invention. This mould comprises a case and a core placed in such a way as to leave between these a hollow space corresponding to the shape and volume of the closure and intended for the injection of the plastic material of which the closure is made. In this mould, on each side of the longitudinal annular hollow space corresponding to the guarantee band, the case and the core are connected by the contact of opposed abutments at least one of which is provided with a series of grooves opening into an adjacent hollow space.

Certain specific embodiments of theinvention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevation of a bottle closure,

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal axial section of the closure shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the closure shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the top of the closure shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is the same view as in FIG. 4 but with the guarantee band partially torn oif,

FIG. 6 is a magnified section along line 6-6 of BIG. 7,

FIG. 7 is a transversal section along line 77 of FIG. 6,

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section of a further closure according to the invention,

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of the closure shown in FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the closure shown in FIG. 8 but with the guarantee band partially torn 01f,

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section along line 1111 of FIG. 12,

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a third type of closure according to the invention,

FIG. 13 is a magnified partial view of the section shown in FIG. 11,

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of the closure shown in FIG. 10 with the guarantee band partially torn off.

FIG. 15 is an elevation of a fourth type of closure according to the invention fitted on a bottle,

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of the closure shown in FIG. 15,

FIGS. 17 and 17a are longitudinal sections of the elements of the closure shown in FIG. 15,

FIG. 18 is a magnified partial longitudinal section of the closure shown in FIG. 15,

FIG. 19 is a partial elevation of the closure shown in FIG. 15 with the guarantee band partially torn off,

FIG. 20 is a partial longitudinal section of a mould suitable for the manufacture of closures according to the invention,

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a part of the mould shown in FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a partial longitudinal section of a closure formed in the mould shown in FIG. 20, and

FIG. 23 is a transversal section along line 2323 of FIG. 22.

The closure illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 is made in one piece of synthetic plastic material. It comprises a skirt 1, a teara'ble guarantee band 2 and a cap 3.

In this embodiment (FIG. 2), the inner diameter of the guarantee band is much larger than the outer diameter of the adjacent part of the cap. The outer diameter of said band, however, is smaller than the inner diameter of the adjacent part of the skirt 1.

The cap 3 has at its periphery a corrugated part which extends down to its base. This part comprises a series of regularly spaced longitudinal ribs 4, forming at the surface of said cap corrugations the thickness of which is such that the diameter of the cap, measured on the ribs, is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the guarantee band 2. The grooves 5 between the said ribs 4 open on an annular hollow space 6 provided by the step 7 defining the upper rim of the band 2. In this arrangement there is a series of holes (FIG. 3) alternating with the small bridges provided by the bases of the ribs 4 which connect cap 3 to the upper rim of the guarantee band 2.

A similar arrangement is provided for the area connecting the lower rim of the band 2 and the skirt 1. The latter comprises, at the end of its inner face, a corrugated part, the base of which coincides with the step 8 formed by the lower rim of the band 2 and the skirt 1. The latter comprises, at theend of its inner face, a corrugated part, the base of which coincides with the step 8 formed by the lower rim of the band 2. This step comprises an annular hollow space 9 in which open the grooves 10 provided in said skirt whereas the bases of the ribs 11 formed between said grooves provide small bridges connecting the skirt 1 to the band 2.

To facilitate the tearing of the guarantee band 2, the grooves which are preferably angularly set off relative to the grooves 10 (FIGS. 3 to 7) so that, for example, the grooves coincide with the small bridges formed by the bases of the ribs 11. Pulling the guarantee band to tear it off breaks one bridge at a time on alternate sides of the said band.

In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the band is interrupted on its periphery, and one of its ends is extended upwardly by a pull-tab 12 having on its outer face corrugations 13 similar to the corrugations on the surface of the cap 3. Preferably, this tab is in the shape of a triangle oriented so as to show the direction of pulling. In order to provide a space for the tab at the periphery of the cap 3, the latter has no corrugations opposite the said tab.

To release the closure to open the container, the tab 12 is lifted and pulled to break successively all the small bridges connecting the guarantee band 2 with the cap- 3 on one side and the skirt 1 on the other.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show a second closure according to the invention, which is suitable for wine bottles for example. This closure comprises a skirt 21, a tearable guarantee band 22 and a cap 23 covering the stopper of the bottle. As in the embodiment described above, the inner diameter of the band 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the lid 23, whereas the outer diameer of the band 22 is smaller than the inner diameter of the adjacent part of the skirt 21.

At its lower rim the guarantee band 22 is provided with a series of suitably spaced ribs 24 defining grooves 25 (FIG. 9). These grooves open into an annular hollow space 26 concentric with the step 27 which defines the upper rim of the skirt 21.

Similarly, the cap 23 is connected to the band 22 by a series of short radial ribs 28 crossing like small bridges the annular hollow space 29 concentric with the step 30 of the guarantee band 22. The alignment of the grooves 31 gives a series of holes forming a prepared score-line similar to the one formed at the level of the upper rim of the skirt 21 by the grooves 25.

The band 22 is interrupted at its periphery by a longitudinal slot 32 and both its ends terminate in beads 33. To open the closure, it sufiices to insert the point of a knife for example, behind one of the beads 33, to liftoff the end of the band 22 and pull it as shown in FIG. 10. A sufiiciently strong pull should be exerted to break the small bridges formed by the ribs 24 and 28, which are preferably angularly set off as explained above.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show a third embodiment of the invention, which is a closure suitable for capping different types of bottles or aerosol sprays etc. It is especially adapted for capping containers provided with a pouring spout or a dropper. The closure comprises a relatively resilient skirt 41, a guarantee band 42 and a cap 43. After opening the closure, the cap may be replaced, for example to protect a pouring spout fitted to the bottle or other container.

The guarantee band 42 is a frusto-conical, tubular wall section connected, at its base, to step 44 of the skirt 41 and at its upper edge, to step 45 of the cap 43. The outside surface of the cap is corrugated, the ribs 46 alternating with grooves 47. These corrugations are both decorative and facilitate the grasping of the cap.

The outer diameter of the cap 43, measured at its base and on the ribs 46, is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the adjacent edge of the band 42. The grooves 47, which coincide with an annular hollow space 48 concentric with the step 45, give rise to a series of regularly spaced holes between the bases of the ribs or corrugations 46, which form short bridges connecting the guarantee band 42 with the cap 43 (FIG. 12). Likewise, the lower edge of the band 42 is connected to the skirt 41 by the ribs 49 of a corrugated part of very small height formed inside the top of the skirt 41. At the intersection of the grooves 50 and of the annular hollow space 51 concentric with the step 45 is a series of perforations providing a score-line intended to facilitate the tearing of the guarantee band 42. The band 42 is broken at its periphery and terminates, at one of its ends, in a pull tab 52 for example, similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1. When sealing the container, the skirt 41 is stretched over the neck or mouth of the container and it remains attached to the neck by holding means such as an inner bead, for example as shown in FIG. 11.

A fourth embodiment of the closure according to the invention is shown in FIGS. 15 to 17a. This closure is a one-piece cap and stopper, the latter only being released when the band is torn off.

As shown in FIG. 15, the closure comprises a skirt 61 fitted over the neck 60 of a bottle, a guarantee band 62 and a stopper 63 not shown in this figure. This stopper (FIGS. 16 and 17) comprises an upper cylindrical portion 63a overlapping the mouth of the bottle and a hollow lower portion 63b extending downwardly inside the skirt 61, in the shape of an inverted, truncated ogive. One or more annular beads 630 may be provided on the outside of the upper part of the hollow lower portion 63b, which fits into the neck 60 of the bottle.

The closure formed by the skirt 61, the band 62 and the stopper 63 is moulded in one piece. A capsule 64 is then placed over the cylindrical portion 63a, this capsule preferably being made of a harder plastic material than the closure which itself is made of a resilient material such as polyethylene for example. The outside of the capsule 64 is corrugated, and it is kept in place by a bead 64a which snaps during assembling, into a corresponding groove provided in the cylindrical part 63a of the stopper. The lower edge of the capsule 64 flares outwardly and downwardly to cover the inwardly tapering upper edge of the guarantee band 62.

As shown in FIG. 17, the guarantee band 62 is a cylindrical wall section extending at its base down to the level of a step 65 forming the extreme limit of the skirt 61 and, at its upper edge, to the level of a step 66 at the base of the cylindrical part 63a of the stopper.

In this embodiment, the corrugated parts moulded above and below the guarantee band are both arranged inside the closure. The portion of wall of the skirt 61 adjacent to the lower rim of the band is provided with a series of longitudinal ribs 67, the thickness of which decreases progressively towards the bottom. Between these ribs are grooves 68 (FIG. 23) which open into the annular hollow space 69 concentric with the step 65. thus providing a series of regularly spaced holes, separated by the small bridges formed by the bases of the ribs 67.

Furthermore, the inner face of the band 62 is provided with a protruding corrugated part formed by ribs 70 alternating with grooves 71 (FIG. 23) which open into the hollow annular space 72 concentric with the step 66, and provide holes separated by the small bridges formed by the bases of the ribs 70. Score-lines are thus provided along both edges of the guarantee band 62 which facilitate its tearing. As described above, the grooves 68 and 71 are preferably angularly set off with respect to each other thereby appreciably reducing the tractive effort which is necessary to break the bridges 67 and 70.

The guarantee band 62 is broken on its periphery by a slot 73 and at one of its ends terminates in a pull tab 74 which may carry an inscription or other mark.

The combined capping and sealing closure just described is fitted on the bottle by simply pushing the closure onto the neck 60. As it is resilient, the wall of the skirt 61 can be stretched to bring the constricted part 61a under the edge of the neck, to which it is secured. During this operation, the bottom 63b of the stopper is automatically put into place inside the neck of the bottle, thus sealing the closure.

The closure according to the invention provides a tamper-proof closing means for all types of containers. The presence of the unbroken tear strip guarantees that the contents are untouched, for the band has to be torn off completely before the stopper can be removed and access had to the contents. At the same time, the capsule 64 gives to the whole a distinctive appearance. The capsule is preferably moulded in a material of a different colour from that of the rest of the closure and its flat upper surface may be embossed or engraved as desired. One particular advantage of this arrangement is that if the closure is used for sealing and capping containers filled with products sold under different brands, only the capsule chosen need be changed as the closure itself remains unchanged.

According to the invention, the grooves provided along both the side edges of the guarantee band can be arranged on inside and the other outside the closure or both on the inside or the outside. The particular arrangement and the shape of the grooves give to the closure, despite the score lines, an axial mechanical strength which is more than sufficient to prevent the closure from being accidentally crushed, for example when it is being fitted to a bottle neck.

The invention also relates to a mould suitable for the manufacture of the closure herein described.

FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate, by way of example, a mould for the manufacture of the closure described with reference to FIG. 17. This mould essentially comprises a case in which is fixed core 90, the shape and volume of these two elements being such that a hollow space is left between them corresponding to the shape and volume of the closure and into which the plastic material forming the closure, for example polyethylene, is injected.

According to the invention, the case 80 and the core 90 are in contact, on both sides of the annular chamber 81 corresponding to the guarantee band 62, at the abutments 82 and 92 on one side and 83 and 93 on the other, these abutments lying in annular planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the closure.

The abutment 92 of the core 90 is provided with a series of channels 94 with rounded beds which open into the annular space 85 corresponding to the walls of the skirt 61 when the said core is placed within the mould. These channels thus connect the annular spaces 81 and 85, whereas the contact area between the abutments 82 and 92 provides the perforation 69. In other words, the coincidence of the abutment 82 and of the radial parts of the abutment 92 comprised between the channels 94 provide the holes of a line of perforations defining the bottom edge of the guarantee band 62.

In a similar manner, the abutment 93 of the core 90 is provided with a series of channels 95 angularly set off relative to the channels 94. As shown in FIG. 20, the

channels 95 connect the annular space 81 with the space 86 which corresponds to the stopper 63. The material injected into the channels 95 forms the small bridges connecting the stopper to the guarantee band 62, whereas the contact of the abutment 83 and of the radial parts of the abutment 93 comprised between the channels 95 provides the holes of a line of perforations defining the upper edge of the guarantee band.

Moreover the channels, which correspond to the longitudinal ribs of the moulded parts, may be arranged in the walls of the case also. For example, in the mould used for making the closure shown in FIG. 11, the channels corresponding to the ribs 46 are cut out in the wall of the case, whereas those corresponding to the ribs 49 are provided in the core.

The foregoing embodiments have been given only as illustrations of the invention and should not be construed as limiting.

I claim:

1. Tamper-proof closure for sealing and/or capping containers, comprising a lid or cap, at least part of which covers the mouth of the container and a skirt intended to remain attached to the container, the lid or cap being connected to the skirt by a tearable guarantee Iband, said closure comprising a series of longitudinal grooves extending from both edges of the band and opening into an annular hollow space concentric with a step defining the edge of said band, said grooves being aligned with the plane of the step so as to form a series of perforations weakening the areas connecting the band to the lid or cap and the skirt.

2. Closure according to claim 1, in which the grooves of the connecting area above the guarantee band are angularly set off relative to the grooves of the area below said band.

3. Closure according to claim 1, in which the diameter of the guarantee band is greater than the outer diameter of the adjacent part of the cap and smaller than the inner diameter of the adjacent part of the skirt.

4. Closure according to claim 1, in which the guarantee band is interrupted at its periphery by a slit.

5. Closure according to claim 4, in which one at least end of the band terminates in a pull tab.

6. Closure according to claim 1, in which one of the series of grooves is arranged inside and the other outside of the closure.

7. Closure according to claim 1, in which both series of grooves are arranged within the closure.

8. Closure according to claim 1, in which both series of grooves are arranged on the outside of the closure.

9. Closure according to claim 1, comprising a cap having a lower extension within the skirt forming the body of a stopper.

10. Closure according to claim 9, in which said extension is provided with at least one external annular sealing bead.

11. Closure according to claim 9, in which said cap is covered by a cylindrical capsule made of harder plastic material than the closure itself.

12. Closure according to claim 11, in which said capsule is snapped over a cylindrical part of the cap.

13. Closure according to claim 9, in which the skirt is adapted to fit over the neck of a bottle.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 245,416 2/ 1966 Austria. 6,413,175 5/1965 Netherlands. 1,073,225 6/ 1967 Great Britain.

GEORGE T. HALL, Primary Examiner. 

